The 17th annual Sales Tax Holiday weekend is August 5-7, 2017. According to the SC Department of Revenue (SCDOR), South Carolinians are expected to save around $2.25 million dollars as they shop for things from paper to clothing to bed linens and so much more.
But I will NOT be included in all those shoppers. For seventeen years, I have tried extremely hard to avoid stores the first weekend of August. Too bad I worked retail the first two of those years, so avoidance was quite difficult.
So I bet you’re wondering WHY? Why not shop and save some money? Why not get out there and find those great deals?
Here’s why in a nutshell:
1. I prefer the sales in July
Maybe it’s all in my head, but I feel I find better deals in July than in August when it comes to shopping for school supplies.
2. Choice! Choice! Choice!
I like to be able to choose what I like and not have to deal with what’s left over – especially if I don’t make it out until later in the day on Saturday or Sunday.
3. Crowds!
I don’t particularly like to deal with crowded parking lots or crowded stores.
4. The savings isn’t worth it to me
I don’t spend enough to make all the hassle worth it. For my three kids I was able to purchase all their supplies in July for less than $100. If I waited and shopped tax free weekend I would be saving less than $7. Just not worth it for me.
5. Tax dollars
Although the estimated $2.25 million may not go far in some budgets around the state, it is still $2.25 million that could be part of a needed budget in our state.
That’s it. Those few reasons are what keeps me away from stores at all costs during our Annual Sales Tax Holiday.